EP2653328B1 - Air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Description

• ein Primärklimagerät zur Klimatisierung einer Primärklimazone im Inneren des Kraftfahrzeugs,
• ein Sekundärklimagerät zur Klimatisierung einer Sekundärklimazone im Inneren des Kraftfahrzeugs und
• ein Bedienteil mit Parameter-Einstellelementen zur Einstellung gewünschter Werte von Geräteparametern des Primärklimagerätes und mit Parameter-Anzeigeelementen zur Anzeige der eingestellten Werte,

aufweist,
wobei in einem Synchronmodus, in dem das Bedienteil die Kontrolle über beide Klimageräte hat, jede Werteinstellung für einen Geräteparameter des Primärklimagerätes auch dem entsprechenden Geräteparameter des Sekundärklimagerätes zugewiesen wird und wobei das Klimatisierungssystem auf einen Separatmodus umschaltbar ist, in dem das Bedienteil die Kontrolle über nur ein Klimagerät hat.The invention relates to a method for controlling an air conditioning system, in particular a manually operable air conditioning system for a motor vehicle, wherein the air conditioning system

• a primary air conditioning unit for air conditioning a primary climate zone inside the motor vehicle,
• a secondary air conditioner for air conditioning a secondary air conditioning in the interior of the motor vehicle and
• a control panel with parameter setting elements for setting desired values of device parameters of the primary air conditioning unit and with parameter display elements for displaying the set values,

having,
wherein in a synchronous mode in which the control panel has control of both air conditioners, each value setting for a device parameter of the primary air conditioner is also assigned to the corresponding device parameter of the secondary air conditioning unit and wherein the air conditioning system is switchable to a separate mode in which the control panel controls only one Air conditioner has.

• ein Primärklimagerät zur Klimatisierung einer Primärklimazone im Inneren des Kraftfahrzeugs,
• ein Sekundärklimagerät zur Klimatisierung einer Sekundärklimazone im Inneren des Kraftfahrzeugs,
• ein Bedienteil mit Parameter-Einstellelementen zur Einstellung gewünschter Werte von Geräteparametern des Primärklimagerätes und mit Parameter-Anzeigeelementen zur Anzeige der eingestellten Werte und
• ein mittels eines Bussystems mit den Klimageräten und dem Bedienteil datenaustauschend verbundenes und diese steuerndes Steuergerät,

wobei in einem Synchronmodus, in dem das Bedienteil die Kontrolle über beide Klimageräte hat, durch Betätigung eines Parameterwerte-Einstellelementes die entsprechenden Geräteparameter des Primärklimagerätes und des Sekundärklimagerätes zugleich und gleich einstellbar sind
und wobei das Klimatisierungssystem auf einen Separatmodus umschaltbar ist, in dem das Bedienteil die Kontrolle über nur ein Klimagerät hat.The invention further relates to an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle, comprising

• a primary air conditioning unit for air conditioning a primary climate zone inside the motor vehicle,
• a secondary air conditioning unit for conditioning a secondary air conditioning unit inside the motor vehicle,
• a control panel with parameter setting elements for setting desired values of device parameters of the primary air conditioner and with parameter display elements for displaying the set values and
• a control unit which communicates with and controls the data exchange by means of a bus system with the air conditioning units and the control unit,

wherein in a synchronous mode in which the control unit has control over both air conditioners, the corresponding device parameters of the primary air conditioner and the secondary air conditioner are simultaneously and equally adjustable by operating a parameter values setting element
and wherein the air conditioning system is switchable to a separate mode in which the control panel has control of only one air conditioner.

The term "same" setting of both air conditioners is here to be understood in terms of a same level of comfort climate in the passenger compartment areas of the motor vehicle air-conditioned by the two air conditioning units. For example, in areas of significantly different size, "identical" settings in this sense may well distinguish specific parameter values, such as outlet temperature and / or airflow rate and quantity.

Such air conditioning systems and control methods therefor are known from the DE 100 46 851 B4 , This document discloses a system with a primary air conditioning unit for air conditioning of the front area, in particular the driver's compartment of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and a secondary air conditioning unit for air conditioning of the rear area of the passenger compartment. Each of the two air conditioners is assigned its own control unit, which is located in the air-conditioned area of the passenger compartment of the respective device. In a separate mode, each air conditioner can be controlled by means of its associated control panel, ie the front air conditioner by means of the front control panel and the rear air conditioner by means of the rear control panel. In particular, specific values of device parameters, such as air flow rate, air flow speed, air flow temperature, air flow distribution, etc., can be selected by operating buttons and controls on the control panel. In a synchronous mode, which can be activated by means of a corresponding mode switch on the front panel, both air conditioners are controlled via the front panel. The rear control panel is thereby "dragged along", ie its device parameters are assigned to those specific values which are set for the front air conditioner on the front control panel. The rear panel is inoperative in this mode. In addition to the technical effort and the cost that causes the provision of two separate keypads, there are problems with the switch back from the synchronous mode to the separate mode. In this case, the rear air conditioner is suddenly assigned the parameter values set on the rear control unit. If these deviate strongly from the parameter values set on the front control unit, there is a considerable increase in value, which can be expressed, for example, in a sudden, considerable acceleration of a fan. The associated, surprising noise increase is perceived as uncomfortable. The risk of such an unpleasant surprise exists in particular if the synchronous mode had previously been activated because passengers in the rear passenger compartment were transported, such as children, who tend to play on the parameter setting elements of the rear control panel.

From the JP 10119542 A is a similar system is known in which also the rear panel is turned off and the control of the rear air conditioner is passed to the front panel.
From the US 6,301,909 B1 is another system is known which basically works in synchronous mode, but automatically switches to a separate mode when communication errors between the front panel and the rear air conditioner are detected.

It is the object of the present invention to further develop a generic air conditioning system and a control method such that smooth transitions are achieved during the change of control without any loss of functionality.

This object is achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that within the separate mode the control panel either the control of the primary air conditioner or the secondary air conditioner is assignable and
in the event of a change of control, the device parameter values of the air conditioner controlled before the change of control remain unchanged and the device parameter values of the air conditioner controlled after the change of control are assigned to the current positions of the parameter setting elements and displayed by the parameter display elements.

The object is also achieved in conjunction with the features of claim 6, characterized in that the control unit has a device switch, by means of which the control unit either the control of the Primärklimagerät or the Sekundärklimagerät can be assigned within the separate mode and that the control unit is set, in a change the control to leave the device parameter values of the air conditioner controlled before the change of control unchanged and to assign the device parameter values of the air conditioner controlled after the change of control to the current positions of the parameter setting elements and to have them displayed by the parameter display elements.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the present case, it is generally spoken of a primary air conditioner and a secondary air conditioner. These may or may not be distributed to the front and rear of the passenger compartment as in the prior art. It is also conceivable a division between the driver and passenger side or other constellations.

As far as possible, the effects and advantages of the method and the system according to the invention will be discussed below together. If not expressly referring to the system or method, the following statements apply mutatis mutandis to both the method and the system.

The present invention includes two aspects. According to a first aspect, the control of both air conditioners not only in synchronous mode but also in the separate mode via a common control panel, which may be the only control panel of the entire system, but this is not a mandatory requirement. However, this aspect of the invention makes it possible to dispense with any of the operating parts known from the prior art, in particular with the operating part conventionally assigned to the secondary air-conditioning device. This has obvious advantages in terms of cost, space requirements and complexity of the overall system. For switching a device switch is provided on the control panel, by means of which can be switched within the separate mode between the air conditioners. Adjustments made on the control panel, in particular on its adjustment, affect the respective connected air conditioner. While the respective unconnected air conditioner remains unaffected.

According to a second aspect of the invention, during a change of control, ie when the air conditioners are switched over, for example by means of the appliance switch, the respectively newly set air conditioner is not assigned the parameter values set on the control unit, as in the prior art. Rather, the parameter values currently applied to the newly connected air conditioning unit are assigned to the positions of the parameter setting elements currently present on the control unit. Due to the pure device switching, there are no changes in the parameter values set on the air conditioners. Only position changes of the parameter setting elements of the operating part lead to value changes of the corresponding device parameters of the respectively controlled, ie connected air conditioner. In order to give the user an indication of the parameter values set on the currently controlled air conditioning unit, these values are displayed on the corresponding parameter display elements of the control panel. In the problematic in the prior art case of a change of control with strongly differing settings of both air conditioners, it is thus not according to the invention to a jump in value in an air conditioner; rather, only the display on the control panel jumps during the change of control, which is not perceived as disturbing by the user.
Preferably, at least one, conveniently each of the parameter setting elements is designed as a stop-free rotary knob whose angle of rotation is representative of the extent of a change in the value of an associated device parameter to be controlled. Due to the freedom from attack, each position of the rotary knob is equal. The absolute position of the rotary knob is thus not for the assigned parameter value decisive. Relevant for the setting of the parameter value is only the position change of the rotary knob.

In a further development of this embodiment, it is provided that the parameter setting element is assigned as a corresponding parameter display element a luminous elements scale on which the respectively set device parameter value is displayed as a relative value within its possible value range by marking a corresponding relative position on the luminous elements scale , In other words, in contrast to the associated parameter setting element, the parameter display element very well has "stops" which mark the minimum and the maximum adjustable parameter value. Between these two limits, the actually set parameter value can be conveniently represented as a relative position. This intuitive display has proven to be very user-friendly. For aesthetic reasons, as well as for reasons of space minimization can be provided that the lighting elements scale is formed as a concentric to the associated knob partial ring. The partial ring, which can pass into a solid ring in extreme cases, can be arranged inside or outside the outer boundary of the knob, but should certainly not rotate with this.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that upon actuation of a serving in each operating mode to initiate the switch to the other operating mode mode switch in the synchronous mode, the control panel is assigned to the primary air conditioner. In this development, a mode switch is thus provided on the control panel, with which it is possible to switch between the synchronous mode and the separate mode. If this mode switch is actuated while the system is operating in synchronous mode, the changeover to the separate mode takes place; at the same time, control of the control panel is relinquished via the secondary air conditioner while maintaining control of the primary air conditioner. The background to this choice is that, according to the inventors, it is more common for the driver, as the main user of the control panel, to switch to the separate mode, especially if he changes the settings of the primary air conditioning unit relevant to him and thus does not bother the passengers affected by the secondary air conditioning unit would like to. This scenario is more common than the scenario where the driver wishes to change the settings of the secondary air conditioner in isolation, for example at the request of passengers. This special design therefore leads to a minimization of the required switching operations and thus to a comfort increase.

Preferably, it is further provided that upon actuation of a device switch operating in a separate mode to initiate the change of control, a mode changeover occurs in the synchronous mode to the separate mode, whereby the control panel is assigned control over the secondary air conditioner. The control unit preferably has an (additional) switch for device switching within the separate mode. In synchronous mode, in which both air conditioners are controlled at the same time, such a device switch initially has no function. However, he is in the context of the training described here a special function zugwiesen, which corresponds to a "short cut" of the steps of operating the mode switch for the purpose of switching to the separate mode and operation of the device switch for the purpose of switching from primary to the secondary air conditioner. This corresponds to the line of the most intuitive operability of the system, which does not require the internalization of a consistently enforced switching logic by the user.

The method elements described here are carried out in the system according to the invention by a suitably equipped control unit, which is connected to the control panel and the air conditioning units via a bus system, such as a LIN bus and has stored the procedural rules in software. The control unit may be formed as a separate component or e.g. be integrated in the control panel.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specific description and the drawings.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Klimatisierungssystems,

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer möglichen Ausführungsform eines Bedienteils des Klimatisierungssystems von Figur 1.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of the air conditioning system according to the invention,

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a control panel of the air conditioning system of FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an air conditioning system according to the invention 10. The air conditioning system 10 has a primary air conditioner 12, which, for example, the front area of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle air conditioned, that is connected to the air conditioning with this. The primary air conditioning unit 12 has at least one heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the air, preferably a radiator flowed through by radiators or electrically operated and an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit or an electrically operated cooling heat exchanger. The air conditioning system 10 further comprises a secondary air conditioner 14, which is connected, for example, with the rear area of the passenger compartment air conditioning. The equipment with heat exchangers is preferably designed as in the primary air conditioner 12, where appropriate, the performance and / or number of heat exchangers may be lower. Further, the air conditioning system 10 includes Control unit 16, which is in data-exchanging connection with the air conditioning units 12, 14 and in which particular control rules are stored in software. The controller 16 is also connected to a keypad 18, the details of which are discussed below FIG. 2 should be explained. The data-exchanging connection between the air conditioners 12, 14, the control unit 16 and the control unit 18 is realized by means of a data bus 20. The control unit 16 can also be integrated in the control unit 18.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the control panel 18 with a plurality of parameter setting elements, parameter display elements, a mode switch "SYNC" and a device switch "REAR". In the illustrated embodiment, designed as a stop-free, annular knob temperature switch 22, an equally designed blower switch 24 and a likewise designed ventilation direction switch 26 is provided. Inside the temperature switch 22, a partially annular LED assembly 28 is provided; inside the vent direction switch 26, a comparable LED array 30 is provided. A respectively set temperature or ventilation direction value can be represented as a relative value to its possible value range or by spatial assignment to a corresponding pictogram by lighting one of the LEDs of the LED arrangements 28, 30, as shown in FIG FIG. 2 is indicated by the bold representation of one of the LEDs. The blower switch 24 has a numerical LED array 32 in which a set value can be represented by lighting up the corresponding number, as shown in FIG FIG. 2 indicated by the bold "3" is indicated. Furthermore, a key line 36 is provided, in which each key is provided with one or more LEDs 38 in order to symbolize the parameter value of the respectively driven device parameter.

Next, the control panel 18 has a mode switch 40 "SYNC" and a device switch 42 "REAR", which are each combined with an LED that symbolize the respective switch position.

In the illustration shown, the system is in the separate mode with the control panel 18 in control of the secondary air conditioner 14 (mode switch 40 "SYNC" is not activated, device switch 42 "REAR" is activated). Upon actuation of the device switch 42 would this disabled, its LED would go out and the control unit 18 would take control of the primary air conditioner. At its settings, initially nothing would change. However, the displays 28, 30, 32, 38 would change according to the parameter values set on the primary air conditioner. Only an actuation of one of the parameter setting elements 22, 24, 26, 36 would lead to a setting change of the primary air conditioner 12 lead. Renewed actuation of the device switch 42 would return the initial state described above.

Operation of the mode switch 40 "SYNC" would result in its LEDs lighting up, the LED of the device switch 42 going out and the system switching to synchronous mode, with the control panel 18 taking control of the primary air conditioning unit 12 and simultaneously via the secondary air conditioner 14 , The parameter display elements 28, 30, 32, 38 would jump over and display the device parameters of the primary air conditioner, which are then also assigned to the "entrained" secondary air conditioner 14. Based on this new ground state, a new actuation of the mode switch 40 would result in a return to the separate mode, however, the keypad 18 would maintain control of the primary air conditioner 12 and only put down control of the secondary air conditioner 14. Neither the settings of one of the air conditioners 12, 14 nor the ads would change anything.

Actuation of the device switch 42 instead of the mode switch 40 in the above-described new ground state would return to the state described above, in which the system is in the separate mode and the control unit 18 has control of the secondary control unit 14, but assigned to the assigned in the new ground state parameter values stay.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred circuit diagram of the invention. The scheme assumes an initial state in which neither switch is pressed and no corresponding indicator lights. In this state, the system operates in the separate mode and the control panel is assigned control of the primary air conditioner. Based on the example described above, therefore, only settings on the front air conditioner can be made. In this state, an action A is performed, namely, the operation of the mode switch 40 (left column of the scheme) or the operation of the device switch 42 (right column of the scheme).

Pressing the mode switch 40 SYNC enters the synchronous mode, the SYNC indicator lights up, the settings of the primary air conditioner are adopted for the secondary air conditioner and both air conditioners are further adjustable together.

Subsequent operation of the unit switch 42 REAR causes the unit to be switched back to the separate mode, whereby the control panel is assigned control over the secondary air conditioner. Based on the example described above, only adjustments to the rear air conditioner can be made.

Pressing the device switch 42 REAR again returns to the initial state described above. For the same result, in a preferred embodiment also pure time lapse t (absolute or after the last setting change). For example, it can be provided that an automatic return to the initial state takes place after about 10 seconds.

Actuating the device switch 42 REAR in the first described above initial state leads directly to the state last described, i. in the separate mode, whereby the control panel is assigned control over the secondary air conditioner. Based on the example described above, only adjustments to the rear air conditioner can be made.

Of course, the embodiments discussed in the specific description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative embodiments of the present invention. A broad range of possible variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. In particular, the number, layout and design of the setting and display elements may differ significantly from the form shown here. Also conceivable are variants in which a second operating part is provided despite the potential for savings according to the invention. Of course, the invention can be extended to more than two air conditioners. It is generally provided that the synchronous mode is abandoned and a corresponding display goes out when a single air conditioner, in particular by pressing the REAR button, is selected, and vice versa. When switching off the motor vehicle favorably the current settings are saved and reactivated at a restart.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Cooling system

12

Primary air conditioning unit

14

Secondary air conditioner

16

control unit

18

control panel

20

Data bus

22

thermostat

24

blower regulator

26

Flow direction regulator

28

LED array

30

LED array

32

numerical LED arrangement

36

toolbar

38

LED array

40

Mode switch

42

Unit switch

A

Action (switch operation)

t

timing

Claims (11)

1. Method for controlling an air-conditioning system (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein the air-conditioning system (10) has

   - a primary air-conditioning device (12) for air-conditioning a primary climatic zone in the interior of the motor vehicle,

   - a secondary air-conditioning device (14) for air-conditioning a secondary climatic zone in the interior of the motor vehicle, and

   - an operator control component (18) with parameter-setting elements (22-26, 36) for setting desired values of device parameters of the primary air-conditioning device (12) and having parameter display elements (28-32, 38) for displaying the set values,

   wherein in a synchronous mode in which the operator control component (18) has control over both air-conditioning devices (12, 14), each value setting for a device parameter of the primary air-conditioning device (12) is also assigned to the corresponding device parameter of the secondary air-conditioning device (14),
   and wherein the air-conditioning system (10) can be switched over to a separate mode in which the operator control component (18) has control over just one air-conditioning device (12; 14),
   characterized
   in that within the separate mode control over the primary air-conditioning device (12) or the secondary air-conditioning device (14) can be optionally assigned to the operator control component (18) and
   in that where there is a changeover of control the device parameter values of the air-conditioning device (12; 14) which is controlled before the changeover of control remain unchanged and the device parameter values of the air-conditioning device (14; 12) which is controlled after the changeover of control are assigned to the current settings of parameter-setting elements (22-26, 36) and are displayed by the parameter display elements (28-32, 38).
2. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized
   in that at least one of the parameter-setting elements (22-26) is embodied as a stop-free rotary knob whose rotational angle is representative of the degree of a change which is to be aimed at in the value of an assigned device parameter.
3. Method according to Claim 2,
   characterized
   in that a light element scale (28, 32) is assigned to the parameter-setting element (22-26) as a corresponding parameter display element on which light element scale (28, 32) the respectively currently set device parameter value is represented as a relative value within its possible value range by marking a corresponding relative on the light element scale (28-32).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that, when a mode switch (40), which serves, in each operating mode, to initiate the switching over into the respective other operating mode is activated in the synchronous mode, the control over the primary air-conditioning device (12) is assigned to the operator control component (18).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized
   in that, when a device switch (42), which serves for initiating the changeover of control in the separate mode, is activated in the synchronous mode, a mode switchover to the separate mode takes place, wherein the control over the secondary air-conditioning device (14) is assigned to the operator control component (18).
6. Air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, comprising

   - a primary air-conditioning device (12) for air-conditioning a primary climatic zone in the interior of the motor vehicle,

   - a secondary air-conditioning device (14) for air-conditioning a secondary climatic zone in the interior of the motor vehicle,

   - an operator control component (18) with parameter-setting elements (22-26, 36) for setting desired values of device parameters of the primary air-conditioning device (12) and having parameter display elements (28-32, 38) for displaying the set values, and

   - a control unit which is connected in a data-exchanging fashion to the air-conditioning devices (12, 14) and the operator control component (12) by means of a bus system (20),

   wherein in a synchronous mode in which the operator control component (16) has control over both air-conditioning devices (12, 14), corresponding device parameters of the primary air-conditioning device (12) and of the secondary air-conditioning device (14) can be set immediately and identically by actuating a parameter value-setting element (22-26, 36),
   and wherein the air-conditioning system (10) can be switched over to a separate mode in which the operator control component (18) has control over just one air-conditioning device (12; 14),
   characterized
   in that the operator control component (18) has a device switch (42) by means of which control either over the primary air-conditioning device (12) or over the secondary air-conditioning device (14) can be assigned to the operator control component (18) within the separate mode, and
   in that, in the event of a changeover of control, the control device (16) is configured to leave unchanged the device parameter values of the air-conditioning device (12; 14) which is controlled before the changeover of control, and to assign the device parameter values of the air-conditioning device (14; 12), controlled after the changeover of control, to the current settings of the parameter-setting elements (22-26, 36) and to cause them to be displayed by the parameter display elements (28-32, 38).
7. Air-conditioning system according to Claim 6,
   characterized
   in that at least one of the parameter-setting elements (22-26) is embodied as a stop-free rotary knob whose rotational angle is representative of the degree of a change which is to be aimed at in the value of an assigned device parameter.
8. Air-conditioning system according to Claim 7,
   characterized
   in that a light element scale (28-32) is assigned to the parameter-setting element (22-26) as a corresponding parameter display element, on which light element scale (28-32) a respectively currently set device parameter value can be represented as a relative value within its possible value range by marking a corresponding relative position on the light element scale (28-32).
9. Air-conditioning system according to Claim 8,
   characterized
   in that the light element scale (28-32) is embodied as a partial ring which is concentric with respect to the assigned rotary knob (22-26).
10. Air-conditioning system according to one of Claims 6 to 9,
    characterized
    in that the operator control component (18) has a mode switch (40), whose activation can initiate, in each operating mode, the switchover into the respective other operating mode, wherein the control device (16) is configured to assign control over the primary air-conditioning device (12) to the operator control component (18) when the mode switch (40) is activated in the synchronous mode.
11. Air-conditioning system according to one of Claims 6 to 10,
    characterized
    in that the operator control component (18) has a device switch (42) whose activation in the separate mode can initiate the changeover of control of the operator control component over the air-conditioning devices (12, 14), wherein the control device (16) is configured to assign control over the secondary air-conditioning device (14) to the operator control component (18) when the device switch (42) is operated in the synchronous mode.

Images